Fodor's Expert Review Lilybank Bed & Breakfast

Built in 1887, this two-story Queenslander is a relaxed six-guestroom B&B with spacious communal areas and an alfresco breakfast area. The house itself was the home of Cairns's mayor in the early 1900s, and was the homestead attached to North Queensland's first tropical-fruit plantation. A wooden veranda surrounds the building, and each pristine high-ceilinged room has an en suite bathroom, bar fridge, and ceiling fan. Those upstairs have private balcony areas; those downstairs overlook the pool and gardens. The guest lounge has board games, books, a large flat-screen TV, and a saltwater pool flanked by a brick patio and trees; there's also a well-equipped guest kitchen. Helpful hosts Linda and Scott Ashworth are happy to share their local knowledge. Tropically inspired breakfasts draw on fresh local produce.